How about this one ?

[Gone-Camping]

Oh, another thought. My Dad's 1968 had 1 7/8" hitch ball, but mine had a 2" hitch ball. Ask the seller what size it takes and make sure you have the right one before going to get the trailer.

[deniski]

I don't know you Birol, but I watched you agonize over the Apache decision and I'm just thrilled that you got a really good deal on this Starcraft!!!  Congratulations and many happy camping trips to come!!

[wiininkwe]

I just read Cindy's post, and it brought tears to my eyes.  It was a powerful post, C, and your feelings are shared by me and many others.  I was teary eyed when this camper deal was going down, frantically refreshing pages to keep up with both the board and the Ebay deal.  Later, NightOwl and I were talking (actually we were talking when this was happening too) and it was overwhelming to both of us when we thought about the level of caring and compassion that is shown by the people on this board when someone needs support.  Thanks, Cindy, for putting it into words for us!
T

[NightOwl]

It's 11:08 and I just got in from a friends's house.... I haven't even gotten half way through the posts since I was here last, this afternoon, and I'm already crying.  Real and true tears... crying.   I'm so GLAD for B.... Not just happy, but glad.  I'm happy he found something, but I'm GLAD that he's really excited.  I'm not just happy that he's gotten congrats posts, but I'm GLAD that he's got a reason to be getting those post and to be glad for himself.


Sometimes people ask, "What makes you happy?"  And the response is invariably something like "My children" or "My family" or "My accomplishments at work".  I think that sometimes that's all together too much and not enough at the same time.  I think it means you want everyone to think "Ok.... he/she is a good mother/provider/employee/etc."  But sometimes I think it's just wonderful for people to be happy... no GLAD about something.  "I'm glad I don't have to watch so-and-so's kid today.... I'm glad I get to watch the game straight through today... I'm glad it's not Sunday and I don't have to get all dressed up for church".  Those are some of the  the Glad tidings that don't seem like a whole lot, but when you let the build-up of everyday stress go, they amount to a whole lot of beans and you get really excited by them.  Small things can bring big excitement and fun!  

So,  on that note.... "I'm glad that the tadpole in our pond grew to be a frog smaller than the goldfish in the pond.... I'm glad the teacher didn't send home a note about how I was late by 1 day with grading the Sunshine math, I'm REALLY glad that none of our kids caught the nasty, boogery-nose cold that my SIL's kids had when they visited last week.... and most of all, I"M GLAD THAT BIROL HAS A PU TO CALL HIS OWN, so now he can feel the excitement that we all feel, every time the sunbreaks through the clouds, every time a weekend nears, every time that nature calls "come camping"!

:S :# BEAUTIFULLY DONE, CINDY!  As T said, you've expressed it exactly! :# :S

[Miss-Teri]

Well said, ladies!

Birol, One thing to consider is you will probably need a weight distribution hitch on that Windstar - I mean even just to bring it home.  Since the van sits low anyway, the trailor weight without the WDH makes ours sag until the hitch is only about 2 inches off the ground!  The WDH distributes the load and it rides fine.  I don't know how that particular PU will affect it, but it might be something to think about since it would be a harrowing trip home if you hit the ground every time you go over uneven ground or a bump!

There are other options out there too - I'm just familiar with the WDH.  Also, on the newer Starcrafts, if you use a WDH it's recommended to take the WDH bars off before reversing with the trailor as the frame can bend otherwise.  My guess is the older ones are tougher, but you might check into that.

[PopupSgt]

I also wonder is that manufacturer allows wdh for that model?  That would also be a question that needs to be asked to Starcraft for that particular model.  If wdh is not recommended then another solution would have to be the equilizer hitch system or airlift system.  Just my .02

[brainpause]

I doubt WDH can be used with this unit.

Hopefully, for the trip home, an empty trailer and empty van will mean smooth sailing. But I agree with others that the tires and bearings should be checked before long distance.

Larry

[vjm1639]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!
 
 
I miss one day on here an LOOK WHAT HAPPENS!!!! I'm with Cindy and the other softies...It brought tears to my eyes!!! Birol we're all sooooooo excited for you!!! This is just fantastic news!!! Can't wait to see pictures of your ear to ear grin with that PU!!!!!
 
 
Drive safely!!!!!!..oh my gosh, I FEEL like the dancing banana right now!!!  :>

[Miss-Teri]

I also wonder is that manufacturer allows wdh for that model?  That would also be a question that needs to be asked to Starcraft for that particular model.  If wdh is not recommended then another solution would have to be the equilizer hitch system or airlift system.  Just my .02

Starcraft doesn't allow a WDH for our model either - but a Starcraft employee said the danger is in backing up with the bars on it.  He said if anything happened while driving forward, it wouldn't be caused from the WDH and we could just pull the bars off so they wouldn't null the warranty just because they were there.
I agree it would just be simpler to use something else just in case, but I just plain love my WDH and wouldn't give it up for anything!  

[birol]

I am hoping that this won't require a WDH   .... I have no money for such luxuries or aire suspension stuff   All I want to do is hitch up drive, I should ask them what is the GVWR of the trailer ....

[tlhdoc]

Birol Congratulations.  I can't wait to see your new PU at the rally.  

I agree with the others about the tires and wheel bearings.  If the rear end  of the Windstar sags too much you could try Timbren rubber springs.  The attach with one bolt to the frame of the Windstar where the rubber stops are now.  I used a set of them on my 1999 Windstar.

[tlhdoc]

I forgot to add the link for the springs.  They are easy to install.  My DH did it in about 30 minutes.

http://www.timbren.com/tim_main.htm